Welcome to Sri Lanka! In the afternoon, we meet at our tour hotel in the coastal region of Negombo for a bike fitting, trip briefing, and welcome dinner. Located closer to Sri Lanka’s international airport than the capital, Colombo, and known for its relaxed seaside atmosphere, Negombo is the ideal starting point for our cycling adventure. Please let us know if you require assistance with airport transfers and pre-tour hotel bookings.
Suriya Resort
DinnerStarting from our seaside hotel, we head inland, weaving along quiet backroads through a labyrinth of lush coconut plantations and rice paddies. Coconuts are a Sri Lankan pride, and we'll be sure to sample a refreshing king coconut during a morning break. You’ll also notice Catholic churches dotting the region, a legacy of Portuguese influence dating back to the 17th century. The route occasionally gets busier as we pass through buzzing market towns, and our inaugural ride culminates in a 15 km section on a straight, narrow rural road where you can set your own pace to the finish line near the village of Katupotha. Here we hop in the support vehicle and begin our road trip to the north of Sri Lanka. Thirty minutes in, we stop for lunch before continuing for another five hours to Jaffna. We break up the long journey with a visit to a civil war memorial site near the infamous Elephant Pass, a causeway connecting mainland Sri Lanka to the Jaffna Peninsula, the site of fierce battles during the height of the conflict. We reach our elegant hotel in Jaffna City – the capital of the Sri Lankan Tamils – in time for dinner.
Jetwing JaffnaBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 65km
+545m
-477mWith a full day to spend in Jaffna, today we explore what the peninsula and its connected lagoons and islands have to offer. In the morning we enjoy a lovely loop ride from our hotel, starting with a whizz past the fishing port and the stone walls of the old Dutch Fort. We then cross to Kyats Island via a long causeway, surrounded by stilted fisheries and flocks of wading birds. At 25 km we hop on a ferry for a quick but fun cruise to Karaitivu Island where we ride on a bumpy inland road to Casuarina Beach - the northernmost tip of Sri Lanka! We soak in the views (and ourselves in the Indian Ocean) before continuing back to the Jaffna peninsula across another causeway and a final 20 km through the countryside and busy city streets. We have lunch at a local restaurant shortly before returning to the hotel, with the early afternoon at leisure. The late afternoon is set for an off-saddle visit to Ballur Kovil, a beautiful Hindu temple deeply revered by Sri Lankan Tamils, and the Jaffna Fort, an impressive star-shaped Dutch colonial-era stronghold.
Jetwing JaffnaBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 63km+109m-107mThis morning we cycle south across the plains of the Jaffna peninsula before we cross a causeway spanning the shallow lagoon waters. Reaching the Sri Lankan mainland by the 30 km mark, we settle in for a long and flat ride along the A32 national road, passing through sparsely-populated, sun-drenched shrublands interspersed with farms, forests, and the occasional herd of cows. It is hard to imagine when cycling on this peaceful stretch of tarmac that this area was a bitter warzone less than two decades ago. We break for a picnic lunch at around 80 km and prepare for the final stretch to Mannar Island. There’s some rougher, bumpier surfaces to tackle though culminating in a smooth finale across the causeway leading to Mannar. Our ride ends at the site of a massive baobab tree, brought to the island by Arabian traders many centuries ago, from where we transfer twenty minutes to a nature-based resort. The rest of the day is yours to relax in the shade of the swaying palmyra palms accompanied by the gentle cacophony of chirping birds. Mannar is considered a birdwatching paradise, particularly well known for the annual migration of flamingos during the winter months.
The Palmyrah HouseBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 118km+248m-250mWith an action-packed day ahead, this morning we skip breakfast at the hotel, opting instead to head out at the crack of dawn. After transferring around 25 minutes back to the mainland, we begin our morning ride into the “rice bowl” of Sri Lanka, with paddy fields sprawling in all directions. At the 25 km point, a roadside gourmet breakfast awaits to fuel our energy. From there, we continue deeper into the countryside, the terrain becoming hillier as we skirt the edge of Wilpattu National Park where a network of backroads takes us past jungle-clad ridges and scenic reservoirs (locally known as tanks). By 95 km we reach the final approach to Anuradhapura, with some heavier traffic to contend with before arriving at our city hotel. In the mid-afternoon we embark on a locally guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sacred City of Anuradhapura, housing the remains of Buddhist temples dating back to Sri Lanka’s first Sinhalese Kingdom (4th century BC - 11th century AD). Highlights of our visit include the holy Bodhi tree - said to be grown from a sapling of the same tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment – and Maha Thupa, a mesmerisingly colossal, white-washed stupa.
Rajarata HotelBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 116km+504m-411mLeaving Anuradaphura, we quickly find ourselves immersed in the gentle rhythm of the Sri Lankan countryside, gliding past canals, water tanks, rice paddies, villages and palm trees. At the 30 km point we switch to a provincial road and pick up the pace to reach the halfway point of today’s ride: a large reservoir where we stop to admire views over lush wetlands framed by jagged, low-rising mountains. Continuing along the main road for another 20 km we face some mild ascents and descents before joining a narrow, forest and farm-lined minor road hugging the edge of Minneriya National Park. From here it is only a short distance to Sigiriya, Sri Lanka’s iconic giant granite massif rising dramatically from the plain. In the afternoon, after lunch at the hotel and some R&R, we set off to explore Sigiriya on foot. Guided by a local expert, we tour the UNESCO World Heritage-listed remnants of a 5th-century fortress and pleasure palace carved into the rock. Reaching the top requires a steep ascent, but the reward is unparalleled views and the remains of an ancient sky palace. After climbing back down we head for an authentic dinner prepared in a community home.
Sigiriya VillageBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 81km+545m-432mThe day begins with a leisurely 23 km cycle through Sigiriya's countryside, including a picturesque stretch along the shores of the huge Kandalama Reservoir. We end the morning ride at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dambulla Cave Temple, home to a resplendent collection of centuries-old Buddhist statues and wall paintings. Led by a local guide, we’ll delve into the history of the five caves before transferring around one-hour south. Refueled with lunch at a local restaurant, we then dart off into the beginnings of Sri Lankan hill country. Our afternoon ride takes us through the valley of the Dedura River, surrounded by low-rising, forested ridges. The first 30 km are along rolling, minor roads but, after we cross the river, we face a 7 km / 8% average climb up the Keppitigala Pass. The road quietly coils up the hillsides covered in rubber plantations and we call it a day once we reach the junction with a busy throughway. After some refreshments to cool down we hop in the support vehicle and transfer around one-hour to Kandy – Sri Lanka’s second-largest city, its spiritual heart, and the gateway to the tea-growing highlands — where we settle in for the next two nights.
Radisson Hotel KandyBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 60km+856m-407mToday is a free day to explore Kandy at your own pace. Though Kandy is Sri Lanka’s second-largest city, its historic centre, which stretches around a serene central lake, is surprisingly compact and ideal for a leisurely stroll. A must-see is the Temple of the Tooth Relic, an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists that houses the revered relic of the Buddha's tooth. Be sure to visit the nearby royal palace grounds, where the Kings of Kandy once ruled for centuries before the British takeover in the early 19th century. Kandy is also an important hub for tea production. If you're interested, we can arrange a visit to a tea factory on the edge of town, where you can learn about the process from leaf to cup and pick up some high-grade brews to take home. For those seeking a more laid-back day, Kandy boasts several rooftop lounges (including at our hotel!) where you can unwind with a drink or two while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding hills. Lunch and dinner are on your own today, but your guide will be happy to offer recommendations.
Radisson Hotel KandyBreakfastIt’s time to tackle Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands, renowned for producing high-quality Ceylon tea. The estates here, some dating back to British colonial times, remain a vital part of the country’s economy. After a 45-minute transfer from Kandy, we begin with 15 km through villages on an undulating road, before passing the market town of Gampola. From Gampola, our journey parallels the route of the historic and still operational Hill Country Railway Line, as we wind through farmlands towards the next major market town of Nawalapitiya. By the 45 km point we ride deeper into the tea mountains, ascending around 25 km with 3-4% average gradients, making it a sustained but manageable effort. The road twists upwards through tea fields, surrounded by mountains and dotted with villages and Hindu temples and Christian churches of tea plucker communities. Tonight’s accommodation is an elegant highland hideaway at over 1,000 m ASL, located on the outskirts of Hatton, one of Sri Lanka’s founding tea plantation districts. Sip on some fresh mountain air (and perhaps a cup of tea or beer!) while enjoying the cool temperature and lovely views.
The ArgyleBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 68km+1412m-597mWe continue our journey through Sri Lanka’s tea-growing region. The first 10 km take us through Hatton and its outskirts, a busy commercial centre, to arrive at the Castlereagh Reservoir. The next 30 km are breathtaking, winding through endless tea estates that blanket the hills and passing lively highland towns, and colorful temples and churches framed by mountains looming in the background. Riding through this area in the morning offers a glimpse into the tireless work of Sri Lanka’s tea pluckers, skillfully harvesting the leaves by hand, row by row, as they navigate the steep hillsides. As we ascend to over 1,500 m ASL, there’s plenty of climbing to be done, though the gradients are generally mild (with a few exceptions!). The uphill effort is rewarded with a long, continuous 20 km descent, cruising along a narrow road that meanders through dense forests and the final frontier of tea plantations before transitioning into the plains. From the 60 km point onwards the riding is mostly flat with a few more downhill zips as we enter Sri Lanka’s southern tropical lowlands. The final 20 km are along a busier provincial throughway leading us to the edge of Udawalawe National Park. Note: Part of this route is currently affected by road works. A vehicle transfer may be required to bypass a bumpy section between 20 - 40 km or a busy highway after the 60 km point.
The Grand Udawalawe Safari ResortBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 111km+1150m-2386mThis morning you have the option of joining a jeep safari into Udawalawe National Park, one of the best places to see wild elephants in Sri Lanka, with over 500 of these gentle giants roaming across grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands. This experience is not included but highly recommended and takes around two hours (please let your guide know in advance if you’d like to partake). In the late morning we set off to complete our tip to tip traverse, riding through south Sri Lanka’s rural heartland, where the landscape is filled with endless greenery, bustling towns, local schools, and small Buddhist temples. The terrain features gently rolling hills, offering plenty of ups and downs to keep our legs active, but nothing too challenging. Our journey concludes at Dondra Head, a rocky promontory crowned by one of Sri Lanka’s tallest lighthouses, which is the southernmost point of Sri Lanka. Following a seaside celebration we transfer around 45 minutes to our final night’s beach resort in Mirissa where the late afternoon is yours to relax by the pool or take a refreshing dip in the Indian Ocean (or both!). We reconvene for a farewell dinner in the evening.
Mandara Resort MirissaBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 79km+725m-806mTime to say goodbye! We’ll organise a shared group transfer from Mirissa to Colombo and Bandaranaike International Airport. If you're extending your stay at another beach resort en route, we can drop you off there as well. If you're flying out today, please book a late afternoon or evening flight. The journey typically takes three hours from Mirissa to the airport, but it could take up to 5 or 6 hours if we make stops to drop off others at various beaches and in Colombo first. If you'd prefer a private transfer, it can be arranged at an additional cost. Please let us know if you need assistance with post-tour hotel bookings or private airport transfers. For those extending their time in the south, make sure to visit Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its well-preserved mix of Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial architectural styles, evident in its fortified walls, bastions, cobbled streets, and charming shophouses.
BreakfastDisclaimer: The adventure cycling tours we operate often go beyond the beaten track, and the countries where we ride are not always predictable. Due to these reasons, it is occasionally necessary to reroute or update itineraries. Our guarantee is that we will not change a trip unless for safety or to improve it. Our listed hotels are always accurate at the time of writing, but should we have to change any hotel, it will always be for a similar or better one.
DestinationsSri Lanka
Tour MeetsNegombo, Sri Lanka
Fly in toBandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Group Size2-16 riders
SpiceRoads jerseyWater bottleSupport vehicleGuide(s)Meals (as indicated)Airport drop offHotel drop offAccommodationSnacks and drinksEntrance fees
International flightsDomestic flightsAirport pick upAirport drop offVisa feesAlcoholTips
We ride a total of 761 km over 9 cycling days. After a warm-up ride out of Negombo and a transfer to Jaffna, the tour is then divided into stages based on Sri Lanka’s north-to-south geography. Stage 1 (days 3 & 4) is centered on the flat, northern plains of the Jaffna Peninsula and Mannar Island. Stage 2 (days 5 - 7) takes us through the agrarian heartland and so-called “Cultural Triangle” of Sri Lanka, with mostly flat and gently rolling terrain. After a rest day in Kandy (day 8), Stage 3 (days 9-10) involves the biggest ascents and descents of the tour as we climb over the Central Highlands. Stage 4 (day 11) takes us through the lush, southern lowlands. Some days we cycle hotel-to-hotel, while on others, we include a transfer at the start or end allowing us to avoid busy main roads, keep the distances manageable, and focus on the most enjoyable routes.
While cycling is the main focus of the tour, we also visit some of Sri Lanka’s most iconic cultural sites, including the Dambulla Caves, Sigiriya Lion Rock, and the Ancient City of Anuradhapura. These are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites and at each of these locations, a local guide will provide insight into their fascinating history. For many riders, the most memorable moments on tour are encounters with Sri Lanka’s incredibly welcoming locals, always eager to wave hello and cheer us on.
We enjoy all but one breakfast and most dinners at the hotels, with a mix of Sri Lankan and Western options. Most lunches are at local restaurants for a chance to sample more rustic, local cuisine and we have one picnic style lunch prepared by our team en route on Day 4.
The trip is fully supported, and your guide’s expert knowledge of the area and terrain means that you always know what is coming up in terms of distance and difficulty. This makes a tremendous difference, as does the constant supply of water and refreshments along the way.
Suitability: This tour is best suited for experienced road cyclists who enjoy long distances and a modest amount of climbing. The average daily distance is 85 km, with three days that go beyond 100 km. The first six riding days feature flat and rolling terrain (with the exception of a 7 km / 8% climb at the end of day 7), while days 9 and 10 involve elevation gains of over 1,000 metres with gradients in the 3-5% range. The second half of day 10 and all of day 11 are again relatively flat and gently undulating, offering a balanced progression of difficulty over the whole 9 days of cycling, perfect for riders who want a challenge without continuous tough climbs. The main challenge of the tour is keeping up stamina over back-to-back riding days and cycling in the tropical heat. Less experienced riders are welcome but should prepare themselves in advance to manage the long distances at a reasonable pace. Good handling skills are required to navigate occasional rough patches, busy city streets, and dodging herds of cows! A support vehicle is available at all times to provide refuge for weary riders.
Biking Conditions: This trip is on paved roads which are mostly in good condition, though broken asphalt, road debris, and potholes do present themselves. The route is on a mix of quiet, countryside roads and provincial main roads. Sri Lanka is an economically fast-moving country and riding on paved surfaces means regularly sharing the road with trucks, buses, cars, and motorbikes. We have chosen the least busy roads possible but please be aware that traffic can be unpredictable and, especially near the cities and towns, unavoidable. Rain is common in Sri Lanka throughout the year. We generally ride rain or shine, but depending on the guide’s discretion or your comfort level, modifications to the planned route can be made. It’s all part of the adventure!
Hotels: Accommodations on this tour are predominantly character-filled, well-regarded hotels at the 3 to 4 star level. Expect clean, spacious rooms with air-conditioning, professional service from English-speaking staff, and swimming pools (available at most locations, with the exception of our stay in Jaffna on Days 2 & 3). Our chosen hotels also feature hygienic restaurants offering a mix of Sri Lankan and Western options. Please be aware that some older properties, while charming, may show signs of wear and tear, and the service pace in Sri Lanka can generally be more relaxed than you might be accustomed to. For larger groups, we may need to use more than one accommodation and, in case of limited availability, switch to an alternative property from the one listed in the itinerary.
Welcome to Sri Lanka! In the afternoon, we meet at our tour hotel in the coastal region of Negombo for a bike fitting, trip briefing, and welcome dinner. Located closer to Sri Lanka’s international airport than the capital, Colombo, and known for its relaxed seaside atmosphere, Negombo is the ideal starting point for our cycling adventure. Please let us know if you require assistance with airport transfers and pre-tour hotel bookings.
Suriya ResortDinnerStarting from our seaside hotel, we head inland, weaving along quiet backroads through a labyrinth of lush coconut plantations and rice paddies. Coconuts are a Sri Lankan pride, and we'll be sure to sample a refreshing king coconut during a morning break. You’ll also notice Catholic churches dotting the region, a legacy of Portuguese influence dating back to the 17th century. The route occasionally gets busier as we pass through buzzing market towns, and our inaugural ride culminates in a 15 km section on a straight, narrow rural road where you can set your own pace to the finish line near the village of Katupotha. Here we hop in the support vehicle and begin our road trip to the north of Sri Lanka. Thirty minutes in, we stop for lunch before continuing for another five hours to Jaffna. We break up the long journey with a visit to a civil war memorial site near the infamous Elephant Pass, a causeway connecting mainland Sri Lanka to the Jaffna Peninsula, the site of fierce battles during the height of the conflict. We reach our elegant hotel in Jaffna City – the capital of the Sri Lankan Tamils – in time for dinner.
Jetwing JaffnaBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 65km+545m-477mWith a full day to spend in Jaffna, today we explore what the peninsula and its connected lagoons and islands have to offer. In the morning we enjoy a lovely loop ride from our hotel, starting with a whizz past the fishing port and the stone walls of the old Dutch Fort. We then cross to Kyats Island via a long causeway, surrounded by stilted fisheries and flocks of wading birds. At 25 km we hop on a ferry for a quick but fun cruise to Karaitivu Island where we ride on a bumpy inland road to Casuarina Beach - the northernmost tip of Sri Lanka! We soak in the views (and ourselves in the Indian Ocean) before continuing back to the Jaffna peninsula across another causeway and a final 20 km through the countryside and busy city streets. We have lunch at a local restaurant shortly before returning to the hotel, with the early afternoon at leisure. The late afternoon is set for an off-saddle visit to Ballur Kovil, a beautiful Hindu temple deeply revered by Sri Lankan Tamils, and the Jaffna Fort, an impressive star-shaped Dutch colonial-era stronghold.
Jetwing JaffnaBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 63km+109m-107mThis morning we cycle south across the plains of the Jaffna peninsula before we cross a causeway spanning the shallow lagoon waters. Reaching the Sri Lankan mainland by the 30 km mark, we settle in for a long and flat ride along the A32 national road, passing through sparsely-populated, sun-drenched shrublands interspersed with farms, forests, and the occasional herd of cows. It is hard to imagine when cycling on this peaceful stretch of tarmac that this area was a bitter warzone less than two decades ago. We break for a picnic lunch at around 80 km and prepare for the final stretch to Mannar Island. There’s some rougher, bumpier surfaces to tackle though culminating in a smooth finale across the causeway leading to Mannar. Our ride ends at the site of a massive baobab tree, brought to the island by Arabian traders many centuries ago, from where we transfer twenty minutes to a nature-based resort. The rest of the day is yours to relax in the shade of the swaying palmyra palms accompanied by the gentle cacophony of chirping birds. Mannar is considered a birdwatching paradise, particularly well known for the annual migration of flamingos during the winter months.
The Palmyrah HouseBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 118km+248m-250mWith an action-packed day ahead, this morning we skip breakfast at the hotel, opting instead to head out at the crack of dawn. After transferring around 25 minutes back to the mainland, we begin our morning ride into the “rice bowl” of Sri Lanka, with paddy fields sprawling in all directions. At the 25 km point, a roadside gourmet breakfast awaits to fuel our energy. From there, we continue deeper into the countryside, the terrain becoming hillier as we skirt the edge of Wilpattu National Park where a network of backroads takes us past jungle-clad ridges and scenic reservoirs (locally known as tanks). By 95 km we reach the final approach to Anuradhapura, with some heavier traffic to contend with before arriving at our city hotel. In the mid-afternoon we embark on a locally guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sacred City of Anuradhapura, housing the remains of Buddhist temples dating back to Sri Lanka’s first Sinhalese Kingdom (4th century BC - 11th century AD). Highlights of our visit include the holy Bodhi tree - said to be grown from a sapling of the same tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment – and Maha Thupa, a mesmerisingly colossal, white-washed stupa.
Rajarata HotelBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 116km+504m-411mLeaving Anuradaphura, we quickly find ourselves immersed in the gentle rhythm of the Sri Lankan countryside, gliding past canals, water tanks, rice paddies, villages and palm trees. At the 30 km point we switch to a provincial road and pick up the pace to reach the halfway point of today’s ride: a large reservoir where we stop to admire views over lush wetlands framed by jagged, low-rising mountains. Continuing along the main road for another 20 km we face some mild ascents and descents before joining a narrow, forest and farm-lined minor road hugging the edge of Minneriya National Park. From here it is only a short distance to Sigiriya, Sri Lanka’s iconic giant granite massif rising dramatically from the plain. In the afternoon, after lunch at the hotel and some R&R, we set off to explore Sigiriya on foot. Guided by a local expert, we tour the UNESCO World Heritage-listed remnants of a 5th-century fortress and pleasure palace carved into the rock. Reaching the top requires a steep ascent, but the reward is unparalleled views and the remains of an ancient sky palace. After climbing back down we head for an authentic dinner prepared in a community home.
Sigiriya VillageBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 81km+545m-432mThe day begins with a leisurely 23 km cycle through Sigiriya's countryside, including a picturesque stretch along the shores of the huge Kandalama Reservoir. We end the morning ride at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dambulla Cave Temple, home to a resplendent collection of centuries-old Buddhist statues and wall paintings. Led by a local guide, we’ll delve into the history of the five caves before transferring around one-hour south. Refueled with lunch at a local restaurant, we then dart off into the beginnings of Sri Lankan hill country. Our afternoon ride takes us through the valley of the Dedura River, surrounded by low-rising, forested ridges. The first 30 km are along rolling, minor roads but, after we cross the river, we face a 7 km / 8% average climb up the Keppitigala Pass. The road quietly coils up the hillsides covered in rubber plantations and we call it a day once we reach the junction with a busy throughway. After some refreshments to cool down we hop in the support vehicle and transfer around one-hour to Kandy – Sri Lanka’s second-largest city, its spiritual heart, and the gateway to the tea-growing highlands — where we settle in for the next two nights.
Radisson Hotel KandyBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 60km+856m-407mToday is a free day to explore Kandy at your own pace. Though Kandy is Sri Lanka’s second-largest city, its historic centre, which stretches around a serene central lake, is surprisingly compact and ideal for a leisurely stroll. A must-see is the Temple of the Tooth Relic, an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists that houses the revered relic of the Buddha's tooth. Be sure to visit the nearby royal palace grounds, where the Kings of Kandy once ruled for centuries before the British takeover in the early 19th century. Kandy is also an important hub for tea production. If you're interested, we can arrange a visit to a tea factory on the edge of town, where you can learn about the process from leaf to cup and pick up some high-grade brews to take home. For those seeking a more laid-back day, Kandy boasts several rooftop lounges (including at our hotel!) where you can unwind with a drink or two while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding hills. Lunch and dinner are on your own today, but your guide will be happy to offer recommendations.
Radisson Hotel KandyBreakfastIt’s time to tackle Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands, renowned for producing high-quality Ceylon tea. The estates here, some dating back to British colonial times, remain a vital part of the country’s economy. After a 45-minute transfer from Kandy, we begin with 15 km through villages on an undulating road, before passing the market town of Gampola. From Gampola, our journey parallels the route of the historic and still operational Hill Country Railway Line, as we wind through farmlands towards the next major market town of Nawalapitiya. By the 45 km point we ride deeper into the tea mountains, ascending around 25 km with 3-4% average gradients, making it a sustained but manageable effort. The road twists upwards through tea fields, surrounded by mountains and dotted with villages and Hindu temples and Christian churches of tea plucker communities. Tonight’s accommodation is an elegant highland hideaway at over 1,000 m ASL, located on the outskirts of Hatton, one of Sri Lanka’s founding tea plantation districts. Sip on some fresh mountain air (and perhaps a cup of tea or beer!) while enjoying the cool temperature and lovely views.
The ArgyleBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 68km+1412m-597mWe continue our journey through Sri Lanka’s tea-growing region. The first 10 km take us through Hatton and its outskirts, a busy commercial centre, to arrive at the Castlereagh Reservoir. The next 30 km are breathtaking, winding through endless tea estates that blanket the hills and passing lively highland towns, and colorful temples and churches framed by mountains looming in the background. Riding through this area in the morning offers a glimpse into the tireless work of Sri Lanka’s tea pluckers, skillfully harvesting the leaves by hand, row by row, as they navigate the steep hillsides. As we ascend to over 1,500 m ASL, there’s plenty of climbing to be done, though the gradients are generally mild (with a few exceptions!). The uphill effort is rewarded with a long, continuous 20 km descent, cruising along a narrow road that meanders through dense forests and the final frontier of tea plantations before transitioning into the plains. From the 60 km point onwards the riding is mostly flat with a few more downhill zips as we enter Sri Lanka’s southern tropical lowlands. The final 20 km are along a busier provincial throughway leading us to the edge of Udawalawe National Park. Note: Part of this route is currently affected by road works. A vehicle transfer may be required to bypass a bumpy section between 20 - 40 km or a busy highway after the 60 km point.
The Grand Udawalawe Safari ResortBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 111km+1150m-2386mThis morning you have the option of joining a jeep safari into Udawalawe National Park, one of the best places to see wild elephants in Sri Lanka, with over 500 of these gentle giants roaming across grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands. This experience is not included but highly recommended and takes around two hours (please let your guide know in advance if you’d like to partake). In the late morning we set off to complete our tip to tip traverse, riding through south Sri Lanka’s rural heartland, where the landscape is filled with endless greenery, bustling towns, local schools, and small Buddhist temples. The terrain features gently rolling hills, offering plenty of ups and downs to keep our legs active, but nothing too challenging. Our journey concludes at Dondra Head, a rocky promontory crowned by one of Sri Lanka’s tallest lighthouses, which is the southernmost point of Sri Lanka. Following a seaside celebration we transfer around 45 minutes to our final night’s beach resort in Mirissa where the late afternoon is yours to relax by the pool or take a refreshing dip in the Indian Ocean (or both!). We reconvene for a farewell dinner in the evening.
Mandara Resort MirissaBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 79km+725m-806mTime to say goodbye! We’ll organise a shared group transfer from Mirissa to Colombo and Bandaranaike International Airport. If you're extending your stay at another beach resort en route, we can drop you off there as well. If you're flying out today, please book a late afternoon or evening flight. The journey typically takes three hours from Mirissa to the airport, but it could take up to 5 or 6 hours if we make stops to drop off others at various beaches and in Colombo first. If you'd prefer a private transfer, it can be arranged at an additional cost. Please let us know if you need assistance with post-tour hotel bookings or private airport transfers. For those extending their time in the south, make sure to visit Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its well-preserved mix of Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial architectural styles, evident in its fortified walls, bastions, cobbled streets, and charming shophouses.
BreakfastDisclaimer: The adventure cycling tours we operate often go beyond the beaten track, and the countries where we ride are not always predictable. Due to these reasons, it is occasionally necessary to reroute or update itineraries. Our guarantee is that we will not change a trip unless for safety or to improve it. Our listed hotels are always accurate at the time of writing, but should we have to change any hotel, it will always be for a similar or better one.
Because some people can't imagine going on a trip without their beloved bicycle, we do not provide them as part of this tour. However, you can hire bikes locally for the price listed in the tour pricing section. We provide high-quality SUNPEED INVINCIBLE carbon bikes. If you bring your bike, please ensure it is a road bike in good mechanical order.
Basic spares and tools are carried by the guide and on the support vehicle, though we cannot guarantee having spares for every conceivable problem. Carrying a basic tool kit, a spare tube and a pump while riding is recommended.
Wearing a helmet is required on all our biking adventures and is non negotiable. If you do not wear a helmet you will not be allowed to cycle. Your tour leader is trained in first aid and emergency rescue, but to a large degree you must be responsible for your own safety while riding. It is therefore compulsory that you take out travel insurance that will cover you for a mountain biking tour.
You will be led by a local English-speaking guide and if the group is 9 people or more we will add another guide to the tour. All our guides are well informed in the history, culture and religions of the area where you are biking and are skilled at passing that knowledge on to you. Your guide is also medically trained and an experienced cyclist, able to handle most minor repairs en route.
Keep in mind that the ETA is valid for six months from the date of issue, so plan accordingly to avoid it expiring before your trip. The processing time usually takes 1-3 working days, but it can sometimes take longer, so it’s best to apply at least a week in advance to be safe.
We recommend that you visit a travel medical doctor and ask about vaccines and /or antimalarial tablets. This is also a good opportunity to discuss important travel health issues including safe food and water, accidents, sun exposure and insect bites as the problems experienced cannot be prevented by vaccinations and other preventive measures need to be taken.
Sri Lanka has a tropical climate, with distinct dry and wet seasons. The seasons are slightly complicated by having two monsoons. From May to August the Yala monsoon brings rain to the island’s southwestern half and the Maha monsoon blows from October to January, bringing rain to the North and East. There is also an inter-monsoonal period in October and November when rain can occur in many parts of the island. Average temperatures for Colombo and the low-lying coastal regions are 27°C while at the higher altitudes like Kandy (500m), the average temperature is 20°C. A gortex rain jacket and a warm jumper for the central highlands are suggested clothing.
The best months to visit Sri Lanka are from December to March for the west coast, and from April to September for historical sites and the east coast. As we are traveling the length of the country it is likely for us to experience rain, however, it will be warm and we will likely continue riding through it.
The hotels listed are our first choice and where we hope you will stay, however, during festivals or other major events there is a chance we will have to substitute another hotel.
Meals are included as per the itinerary where B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner. Breakfasts and dinners are served at the hotels, mostly buffet style, and include a mix of Sri Lankan and international fare. Make sure to try hoppers – a beloved Sri Lankan breakfast dish! Lunches are enjoyed at vetted restaurants or pop-up kitchens at local homes along our cycling route. These meals consist of a mix of aromatic curries loaded with veggies (and sometimes chicken or fish), sambals (pastes for dipping made from chili, coconut, and much more), daal (lentil soup), and plenty of regional variety. These are served along with a mound of rice and eaten family style, with each person helping themselves from the communal spread. Vegetarians and vegans will have no issues adapting to Sri Lankan cuisine, and most dietary requirements can also be catered for. Please let us know at the time of booking.
Keeping you completely hydrated is a job we take very seriously. Water, some energy-restoring local fruit, and soft drinks are included in the tour price while riding. Soft drinks and other beverages during meals are not included. If you are used to fueling your rides with electrolyte packets or gels, please bring them as they are not included in our provisions. Beers and other alcoholic drinks are available at most hotels and some local distributors and are not included in the price. During religious holidays, alcohol sales are banned.
SpiceRoads does not require you to pay a surcharge for traveling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveler of the same gender and if we can not match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is listed above.
We recommend that you tuck away a few extra dollars, perhaps US$10 a day for incidentals.
The Sri Lankan currency is the rupee (Rs). There are several money changers in the capital as well as major tourist cities and attractions. They generally don’t charge commission and their rates are pretty good, with unlicensed money changers giving slightly better rates than officially licensed ones. However, ATMs are recommended if you are unsure and afraid of getting ripped off. ATMs have spread to all of the cities and major regional centers of Sri Lanka with Commercial Bank having the largest network of ATMs accepting international Visa, MasterCard, and Cirrus/Maestro cards. Any bank or exchange bureau will change major currencies into cash, including US dollars, euros and pounds sterling. To get the best rates, change rupees back into hard currency before you leave the country.
If this is the tour for you here's what you need to do to confirm your place:
Just complete our online booking form or send your booking details offline (email or post), and we will confirm your participation. No deposit is needed to confirm your place on a SpiceRoads tour.
You are advised to read our Booking Conditions in full before you make your payment and should you require further clarifications of any of the conditions below, please email us or call our office.
There is a minimum number of participants (usually 2) required to enable the trip to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to Depart'. Once a trip is guaranteed to depart you are free to book your flights and make other travel arrangements. If the trip status is ‘Limited’ will mean we have only a small number of spaces available for booking. If you are unsure about the trip status, please email us or call our office.
From the tour page, click the 'Book Now' link. All departures for this tour will appear, just select the date you'd like to travel. For the next steps, you'll need to know the names of the people travelling. If you wish you can also provide extra details such as passport numbers, height (for bike hire), or you can add that later by logging into Manage My Trip (we'll set up an account for you automatically if you don't already have one). Our system will contact you from time to time to fill in the missing information, as it will be required before departure. However, if the trip that you are booking offers a child discount, you will have to fill out the date of birth of each rider (so we can calculate the appropriate discount).
If you are having any problems please send us an email, or give us a call (+66 026 3295) and one of our travel specialists will assist you with your booking.
Just call us or send an email indicating which trip you want to join and we will happily send you a list of questions and process your booking for you.
We do not require a deposit or full payment to book a place for you on a tour.
The balance of the tour’s cost (final invoice) will need to be paid 60 days before the departure date with fees for any bicycle rental(s), single supplement(s) and extra hotel nights.
In the case where a booking is made when there are less than 60 days until the tour departure date, the tour’s cost should be paid in full within 72 hours of receiving an invoice from SpiceRoads. Payment can be made by credit card using our online payment gateway or by bank transfer. When making payment online you will need to confirm that you have read these booking conditions during the "checkout" process, which equates to agreeing to the terms of services and stipulations as indicated in this document.
In all cases, tour fees need to be paid “in full” before participation in a tour. No person(s) will be allowed to join a tour without fully settling their invoice and receiving a confirmation number from SpiceRoads.
The exception can be made for last-minute miscellaneous fees that can be paid locally (visas, additional local hotel bookings, etc.) can be settled on the day of arrival.
If the tour is cancelled or postponed by SpiceRoads because we didn't make the trip numbers and the tour can’t run, we will make a full cash refund (by bank transfer or on your credit card).
If the tour is cancelled for any other reason, including due to Covid related travel restrictions, we will give you a full credit (with no deductions for admin or any other small-print item) to use on any SpiceRoads tour with no time limit. (Exceptions being flights, special permits and other non-refundable items and these will be advised when booking the trip).
Before paying for your tour, you can cancel your booking with no charge and up until 40 days before departure, you can change your booking to another travel date or move your booking onto another SpiceRoads tour with no charges.
If you need to cancel after you have made full payment, please see our cancellation policy.
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